In today’s digital age, Cyber Security is a top priority as cybercrime continues to grow and evolve at an alarming rate.
From malware and ransomware to spyware and phishing attacks, the threats are more sophisticated than ever. Effective cyber security is essential to protect organisations and individuals from these dangers.
The following list features some of the world’s most high-profile and leading cyber security experts and keynote speakers. Globally recognised for their expertise, they have worked with governments, Fortune 500 companies, and top institutions, providing invaluable insights to help organisations stay ahead of the curve in the fight against cyber threats.
Alex Younger
Former Chief of the Secret Intelligence Service, also known as MI6, longest-serving MI6 Chief in 50 years, expert on international security, cybersecurity, geopoliticsSir Alex Younger is the former Chief of MI6, the UK's Secret Intelligence Service, serving from 2014 to 2020. His six-year tenure made him the longest-serving MI6 Chief in 50 years.
Joining MI6 in 1991, Sir Alex was deployed to Europe, the Middle East, and Afghanistan, spending much of his career as an operational case officer. In 2009, he led MI6’s counter-terrorism efforts, including security for the 2012 London Olympics.
As MI6 Chief, Alex focused on transforming the service, leveraging technology to outpace adversaries, and maintaining global intelligence networks. He also advised the Prime Minister on national security as a member of the National Security Council.
Dr Jessica Barker, award-winning leader in the human side of cyber security, she has delivered face-to-face awareness sessions to over 50,000 people. Named one of the top 20 most influential UK women in cyber security, Jessica Barker is the go-to cyber expert for media including the BBC, Sky News and Wired magazine.
Her speaking engagements unpick the psychology and sociology of cyber security. Jessica is Co-Founder of the cyber security company Cygenta, where she focuses on her purpose to advance cyber security awareness, behaviour, and culture in organisations around the world.
She serves on numerous industry boards, including the UK Government Cyber Security Advisory Board.
In his early 20s, Jamie Woodruff is one of the world’s leading authorities on hacking and cyber security. Named Europe’s Number 1 ‘Ethical Hacker’, Jamie entered the public eye when he successfully hacked Facebook as part of a student competition at Bangor University where he was studying computer information systems.
Since then, Jamie has uncovered security holes in numerous high-profile operations, including Kim Kardashian’s website, which he hacked to reveal that it was putting her fans’ data at serious risk.
Jamie talks about the importance of system and network security and is known for disclosing world-wide exploits and vulnerabilities within leading security applications such as Facebook, YouTube, Twitter, Apple and Google.
Sarah Armstrong-Smith is a prominent figure in the cyber security field, currently serving as the Chief Security Advisor at Microsoft.
With a distinguished career spanning years of leadership, she has played a crucial role in helping businesses navigate cyber threats while educating organisations on safeguarding their data.
She collaborates with clients across Europe, offering strategic cyber security insights to bolster their defences against evolving digital threats.
Robert Hannigan has a long history of involvement in cyber security and technology, having drawn up the UK’s first Cyber Security Strategy.
Robert is the former Director of GCHQ, the UK government’s largest intelligence and cyber agency (equivalent to the NSA in the USA).
He was previously the Prime Minister’s Security Adviser at No10 and worked closely with Tony Blair for a decade on the Northern Ireland Peace Process.
Shawnee Delaney is a leading expert in human risk management, insider threats, and security investigations, and the founder and CEO of Vaillance Group.
A decorated former Clandestine Services Officer, she spent nearly a decade at the U.S. Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA), where she conducted global human intelligence (HUMINT) operations and served in combat zones as both Detachment Chief and Supervisory Branch Chief.
After leaving the DIA, Shawnee supported the Department of Homeland Security and later led insider threat programs at Fortune 500 companies including Uber and Merck.
Today, she advises governments and global corporations on insider threat and cybersecurity, and is a sought-after speaker and commentator featured in major media outlets.
Shawnee Delaney
Founder and CEO of Vaillance Group, Decorated Intelligence Officer, Investigator, and Insider Threat Subject Matter Expert
Geoff White is an award-winning investigative journalist, author, and broadcaster, known for uncovering some of the biggest cybercrime stories of the last two decades. He has worked with BBC, Sky News, The Sunday Times, and Penguin Random House, reporting on topics from crypto-gangsters to billion-dollar cyber heists.
He is the author of The Lazarus Heist, based on the hit BBC podcast he co-hosted, and Crime Dot Com, which explores the global impact of hacking. His latest book, Rinsed, examines technology’s role in modern money laundering.
A frequent keynote speaker for major global brands, Geoff is also the creator of acclaimed podcasts and live shows, bringing cybersecurity stories to life for audiences worldwide.
Lisa Forte is a renowned cybersecurity expert and co-founder of Red Goat Cyber Security. She began her career tackling piracy off the coast of Somalia, then moved into UK Counter Terrorism Intelligence and later joined a UK Police Cyber Crime Unit.
Recognised as one of the Top 100 Women in Tech, Lisa is a leading voice on cyber crisis management, ransomware, insider threats, and social engineering.
She’s known for her engaging and insightful presentations, regularly appearing in the media and at global events.
Beyond cybersecurity, Lisa brings unique perspectives on risk and resilience from her experience as a climber and mountaineer. She also co-founded the Cyber Volunteers 19 movement and Respect in Security, reflecting her commitment to ethical tech and industry wellbeing.
Tony Sales, Co-Founder of We Fight Fraud and Underworld TV, transformed from a notorious criminal into one of the world’s leading experts on social engineering, fraud, and cybercrime.
After serving time in prison, he shifted his focus to fraud prevention, leveraging his criminal insights to help governments, financial institutions, and major brands.
Known for his 2012 prediction that “data is the new cash,” his deep understanding of criminal behavior gives him a rare ability to articulate threats in a way few others can, making him a sought-after speaker and frequent media guest on TV and radio.
Baroness Joanna Shields OBE is a tech industry pioneer, start-up CEO, and life peer in the UK House of Lords, who is passionate about creating technology that benefits humanity. Over the past three decades, she has made a profound impact in driving innovation and advocating for the development of technology across industry, government, and civil society.
From 2013-2018, Joanna served in the UK Government as the first-ever Minister for Internet Safety and Security. She also served as Digital Economy Advisor to the Prime Minister, UK Ambassador for Digital Industries, and Special Representative on Internet Harms and Crimes.
During her tenure, Baroness Shields pioneered solutions to pressing global issues at the intersection of technology and society, including developing AI products to understand the language of extremism online and to combat exploitation, abuse and crimes online.
